ND Chinook Salmon Fishing Guide

Trout Family: In North Dakota, members of the trout family are all introduced. Trout are beautiful fish, sporty to catch and fine eating. North Dakota habitat does not provide the conditions for trout to spawn and reproduce successfully. They must be grown in a hatchery and stocked into area lakes.

Identification: The inside of the lower jaw is blackish, compared to the white jaws in rainbow and brown trout Spotted similar to a rainbow trout Long anal fin that contains 15-17 rays In late fall when they reach spawning conditions, chinook darken in color and gradually deteriorate until death Chinooks thus vary from silvery to nearly black

Notes: Chinooks, also called king salmon, are stocked in Lake Sakakawea and provide anglers with a great fight on hook and line. North Dakota conditions prevent chinooks from reproducing successfully. They are the largest trout found in North Dakota.

Habitat & Range

Chinooks, also called king salmon, are stocked in Lake Sakakawea and provide anglers with a great fight on hook and line. North Dakota conditions prevent chinooks from reproducing successfully. They are the largest trout found in North Dakota.

Fishing Season

Open year-round (April 1 – March 31)

License & Regulations

A valid North Dakota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident licenses are available. Two free fishing days per year (typically in June and December) allow fishing without a license. Purchase licenses online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.

References

• North Dakota — Chinook Salmon